Oldham answer coach’s battle cry

HIGH-FLYER: Jodie Gibson, of Oldham, leaps into the air in an attempt to thwart an effort.

NETBALL: LEADERS Oldham Netball Club produced a huge effort in the final quarter to beat second-placed Academy 49-46 in the National Premier League.

The hosts made a decent start at Hathershaw College, only for the London-based side to find their feet and end the opening phase well on top.

Oldham’s defence struggled to make an impact and the centre court found it difficult to find shooters Kathryn Turner and Krista Enziano. Making far too many errors, they were 17-7 adrift at the first break.

The second quarter saw Enziano work her way into the game, while Georgie Webster and Jodie Gibson forged a better understanding in the defensive circle.

An injury to Gabriella Marshall forced Oldham into a change, with youngster Taylor Cullen being thrown in to the fray.

The home side managed to keep the gap to 10 points (29-19) at half-way, but they still had work to do.

The two teams went goal-for-goal in the early stages of the third quarter but then Oldham started to make inroads.

Gibson and Webster claimed some big intercepts, while Turner was starting to dominate in the circle and Cullen prevented the quick flow of the opponents’ strong wing attack.

Trailing 41-34 with a quarter remaining, Oldham sensed they had a chance. Coach Debbie Hallas asked for a big push and got it as her side netted the first four goals of the quarter.

Gibson claimed four intercepts in the last period and gradually, the girls in red and blue pegged back Academy.

Oldham mopped up any loose balls and, cheered on by a vociferous bench, won the quarter 15-5 and the game in dramatic fashion.